Mexico seeks unimpeded access to North-American markets

Mexico seeks to have unimpeded access to the goods and services markets in North America, as well as to bolster the dispute resolution mechanism of NAFTA during the renegotiation talks of the trade agreement which start this August , according to an official document seen by Reuters on Tuesday.

The three partners of the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) : Mexico, the United States and Canada, will hold the first round of talks from August 16 to August 20 in Washington.

The document adds that seven or nine rounds could be held, alternating the venues, and that during the first encounter, the negotiating teams will agree on a meeting schedule for the rest of the year.

“It's important to highlight that while the three countries want to have a fast-paced and focused negotiation, the prevailing criteria will be the quality of the talks and the achievement of the countries' goals,” cautions the official document submitted to the senators, regarding the NAFTA renegotiations.

The document further mentions that Mexico will also seek to revamp customs processes and greater labor market integration, as well as the consolidation of the opening of investment in services.

Mexico also hopes to achieve coherence in agricultural and animal safety regulations, protection of intellectual property of domestic creators, and transparency and anti-corruption measures, as well as the inclusion of e-commerce and the implementation of measures that strengthen energy security for the North America region.

“Our objective is to have an expedited negotiation process that maintains the benefits we have achieved during the lifespan of NAFTA, but which at the same time serves as a platform for the modernization of the Treaty,” the document says.

NAFTA renegotiation, in full force and effect since 1994, was requested by American President Donald Trump , who has threatened to leave if he doesn't obtain greater benefits for his country.

The Head of State maintains that the agreement has caused a trade deficit with Mexico which has cost thousand of jobs to the United States.

am